The HP/Agilent 3438A is a 3-1/2 digit autoranging digital multimeter designed for benchtop and field measurement applications. It delivers precise DC voltage, AC voltage, DC current, AC current, and resistance measurements across multiple ranges. The autoranging function automatically selects the optimal measurement range, eliminating manual range selection and improving both speed and accuracy for design validation, troubleshooting, and general-purpose electrical testing.
Technical Specifications
DC voltage measurement spans 200mV to 1000V with accuracy of ±(0.1% of reading + 1 digit) on ranges from 200mV to 200V, and ±(0.2% of reading + 1 digit) at 1000V. Input impedance exceeds 10MΩ across all DC voltage ranges. AC voltage capability covers 200mV to 700V with frequency response from 20Hz to 50kHz. AC voltage accuracy is ±(0.5% of reading + 2 digits) for 200mV to 200V (50Hz to 10kHz) and ±(1.0% of reading + 2 digits) at 700V (50Hz to 10kHz).
DC current ranges from 20mA to 10A with accuracy from ±(0.3% of reading + 2 digits) at 20mA–200mA to ±(1.0% of reading + 2 digits) at 10A. AC current spans 20mA to 10A (50Hz to 10kHz) with accuracy ranging ±(1.0% of reading + 3 digits) at 20mA–200mA to ±(2.0% of reading + 3 digits) at 10A. Burden voltage is approximately 0.5V maximum at full scale for both AC and DC current.
Resistance measurement covers 200Ω to 2MΩ with accuracy of ±(0.3% of reading + 2 digits) on 200Ω to 200kΩ ranges and ±(1.0% of reading + 2 digits) at 2MΩ. Test current varies by range: 1mA, 100µA, 10µA, 1µA, and 100nA.
– Key Features
• 3-1/2 digit LED display
• Selectable sampling rates: 2.5 or 5 readings/second
• Standard banana jack inputs for all measurement types
• Dual voltage operation: 100–120V or 200–240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Metal and plastic enclosure optimized for both stationary and portable use
– Typical Applications
Electronics design and development, circuit troubleshooting, component characterization, and general electrical system diagnostics.
